A 140MPH tornado ripped through suburban streets yesterday as Britain was battered by gales.

The terrifying twister tore off roofs, tossed cars in the air and uprooted trees. Hundreds of people spent last night in an emergency help centre after their homes were wrecked in just 10 seconds of weather mayhem. The tornado caused millions of pounds of damage in Kensal Rise, North West London, but miraculously only six people were hurt.

Horrified residents said it was like a scene from the Wizard of Oz as the twister sucked up everything in its path. IT worker Chris Holt, 45, said: "Within seconds, the day went from calm and sunny to an apocalyptic pitch black. I could see roofs smashed in and debris everywhere. A house close to me was destroyed."

In other parts of the UK, rail and ferry services were badly disrupted as 70mph winds swept the country.

A 300ft runaway barge ran aground in SEAFORD, East Sussex, after a dramatic rescue attempt was abandoned. Two lifeboatmen had to be rescued by helicopters as they were battered by towering 15ft waves.

In YORK, the swollen River Ouse broke its banks and desperate homeowners tried to shore up their houses with sandbags. Pubs right on the river were already flooded. Peter Hamilton, of The Kings Arms, said: "It's the same old scenario. We are three feet under water."

In LLANGOLLEN, North Wales, many residents fled their homes as the River Dee burst its banks. Force 11 gales gusted off ANGLESEY, bringing massive waves.

A block of flats in SOUTHAMPTON had its roof ripped off, leaving 21 people homeless.

A woman driver had to be rescued from the roof of her car after flash floods hit HEADLEY, near Basingstoke, Hants. And two other motorists were lucky to escape when their cars were swept away as they forded a river at the same time.

Forecasters said the weather will be better today, although there will still be heavy rain in some areas.